NATO - od zimnej wojny do syndromu antyterrorystycznego

Abstract

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation started to exist in 1949. Its aim was to create conditions to defend the western world against dangers of the Soviet aggression. Since the Soviet bloc collapsed, the question has arisen what role the Organisation should play in the new political conditions of the Euro-Atlantic area. Its members unanimously declared that the alliance was to face significant challenges in the new reality. In years 1990-2003, the aims, tasks, strategies and structures of the NATO were unceasingly adopted to new requirements. The essential changes aimed at widening the area of safety guaranteed by the alliance, as well as at creating and shaping instruments of its activity outside the Washington Treaty. The widening of the alliance took place in practice in 1997 when the decisions about co-optating Poland, Czechs and Hungary were taken. Continuing the process, the NATO summit held in Prague in 2002, decided on accepting other countries from Central and Eastern Europe and creating specific relationships with Russia and Ukraine. The other essential aim of doctrinal transformation of the oranisation was a decision concerning an active participation for safety outside the Treaty. As a result, the alliance forces started to stabilize the areas included into armed conflicts (Bosnia, Hercegovina, Macedonia, Albania), and then they took part in making peace in Bosnia, Hercegovina and Kosovo. The process was intensified after the terrorist attack in the USA in 2001, which made the alliance forces become involved in the pursuit of terrorists in the regions outside Europe (Afghanistan). Consequently, the NATO countries face a question whether to preserve the original character of the alliance or to tend towards an organization of global features. So far the answer to the dilemma has not been made up unambiguously.